[x] Talk more about your travels.
-[x] For the moment, though, leave be the story about the final battle with the corrupt thing that was Moto Shinichiro. We're likely to need another epic for this Court, and that one might serve.
You all remain quiet for several moments more, your words weighing heavily upon the air. A light breeze wafts through the balcony, bringing with it a few errant sakura petals. The scent of cherry blossoms is pleasant as always, but does little to assuage the tension that slowly increases as the silence continues.
Something must be done, some words said, to break this terrible hush that has overcome you all. But you do not know what to say. There is a tightness in your chest, and it has moved up your body to constrict your throat. It almost feels as if you should have trouble breathing, but the most it does is keep your voice locked inside.
At the very least you are away from the agony of your memories, but this lingering touch is almost as terrible. It is as if you are wounded in spirit rather than the body, and the healing has been slow. How long muse you wait until you are whole once again? Will you ever be?
"It is always hard losing a friend," Daidoji Hosaru says, at last breaking the silence. His expression is solemn, lacking his usual grin. "The pain is unique each time, even as we learn how to better endure the sorrow. There is no shame in feeling grief."
"Then you understand," you whisper, forcing the words out. "It is…"
"I know," Hosaru says, his lips coming up in a sad smile. "I served on the Wall, and have witnessed the face of evil. I have seen good men and women perish, and it is…" He takes a deep breath, as if bracing himself. "It leaves its mark."
"I'm so sorry, Sosuke-san," Mataru says, his voice soft. It is difficult to read his expression behind his new mask, but his sincerity rings true to your ears. "I never meant to remind you of pain."
"It is fine, Mataru-san," you say, the squeezing pressure in your chest and throat releasing its grip. "And not all of my memories the journey are filled with sadness."
A hand rests on your shoulder, and you turn to see Shirou looking at you. The monk's grip firms briefly before he removes his hand, and he gives you an encouraging smile. It is a breach of propriety for him, someone of lower status than yourself, to be so familiar as to touch you. But you find yourself not caring. Shirou is a friend, and you take strength from his presence.
"Let me tell you of my time among the Dragon Clan," you say, moving away from the sorrow. There was time later to muse on such matters… But did you not always tell yourself that? But no, you can't allow yourself to focus on this. "There were several grand sights, and I had several experiences there that I wish to share."
You describe Shiro Kitsuki, the three great towers of the castle jutting toward the sky like the peaks of the mountains it is nestled into. Within your memories rest the image of hundreds of temples, and monks walking about to tend them. These you bring out to share with your friends, going into great detail the natural beauty and tranquility experienced among the Dragon Clan's most open Family.
Your meeting with Hanabi in the bath you skip over, as that would hardly be appropriate for this setting. As well, you do not plan to share the conflict with Moto Shinichiro. The triumph and tragedy of that man is better left to a grand stage, not a dinner table.
Then you go into the Court, which you admit to the table was a small affair compared to the one earlier today. You describe the small talk, and the hidden meanings layered beneath, before arriving at your grand story that left the entire court in silence. A spark of pride ignites in your heart the recollection, the joy in experiencing a plan finally brought to fruition. It was, and will always remain, one of the greatest accomplishments of your life.
"I must admit the Crane diplomat made… several comments about our experiences even after I entertained the court," you say, glancing at Hosaru. "I believe she was taken aback by the subject matter, but she recovered swiftly."
Daidoji Hosaru shrugs. "It is the responsibility of the Doji to hold ground in the courts even in the face of unexpected setbacks." He takes a sip of his sake, a smirk gracing his lips. "The Crane would not hold the influence we do if it were otherwise."
"Influence they have held tightly on to for centuries, among the best and worst of times," Mataru says, resting his chin on steepled hands. He seems to have eaten his fill. "It's something I've always admired about your Clan."
"That we have such influence, or we've managed to maintain it even when the Lion roar and the Scorpion plot?" Hosaru asks. He smiles and takes another sip. "More than one has believed the Crane inflexible, and then learned the error of their ways. We can adapt quickly to almost any situation once we understand the playing field."
"I was merely making an observation on the strength of the Crane, and my respect for that strength," Mataru replies. "But you bring up an interesting subject of discussion by mentioning adaptability."
"Oh really?" Hosaru inquires, one eyebrow raised. "Please, do explain."
"I believe I would not be remiss in saying that the Scorpion understand the merits of being flexible," your friend says. "Indeed, it is in many ways our greatest strength. Our adaptability has allowed us many advantages."
"As well as a poor reputation," Hosaru replies. "I mean no insult, Bayushi-san, but it is hard to deny what so many say about your kin."
"Such is but our lot in life, another burden to be borne," Bayushi Mataru says, waving a hand. "But out if your earlier wish for directness, I shall get to the point."
"You have my thanks," Hosaru says.
"I believe that it is the adaptability of the Crane and the Scorpion that can handle our current issue, with the assistance our allies in the Crab have already provided in making it easier to work together," Mataru says, motioning a hand toward you. "And if all goes well, we shall see our mutual goals achieved."
"Which you seem to believe is the removal of Doji Noboru from the court," Hosaru says, setting down his cup before looking at Mataru with a stoic expression. "Which your superiors have pushed for in the past after making rather… serious claims."
"Claims we shall hopefully be able to provide more concrete proof for soon enough," Mataru replies, smiling. "We would have liked to make our move earlier, but out of respect the Crane we have stayed our hand."
"By which you mean we've been watching your delegation too closely for your people to move unseen," Hosaru says with a snort, shaking his head with a wry grin. "Such pretty, twisting words you share with me. I can only wonder how many schemes they allude to."
"Then… is this dinner some plot as well?" you ask softly, a faint tremor in your voice. Both men turn to look at you, as if remembering you are still there. You look toward your friend, and your brow furrows in response to the icy pang of hurt twisting your insides. "Mataru-san, is our meeting here part of something that I am not aware of? I thought this was simply to have a pleasant time, seeing each other again after our time apart."
"Sosuke-san…" Mataru trails off, taken aback by your distress. Then he takes a deep breath before continuing, talking quickly. "Yes, but only partially. I truly do wish to spend time with you, my friend. That was no lie. But this meeting also shows both of us in public together, which helps prevent parties from making certain claims about what might proceed tonight."
Your friend's words ease the churning feelings, the ice in your guts receding enough to allow you to relax somewhat. Is it really so surprising that Mataru, a Scorpion Samurai, would use a meeting with a friend as part of a larger goal? His Clan is well known for having inscrutable methods working toward equally inscrutable goals.
But you've had to deal with such things so often these past months, your life being pulled this way and that by forces you can scarcely comprehend. All you wanted was an evening with a friend you hadn't seen in a while, away from machinations that could influence your life in any myriad ways. It would be nice to finally have some control over your life.
As such, it is almost a relief when you see the six figures on the other balcony leap over to yours with knives in hand.
[] Charge them and give your comrades time to ready themselves.
[] Throw the table at them, and hopefully stall the attack for a few seconds.
[] Stand in front of your allies and blunt the initial assault to give them time to get ready.
[] Write in.
